Furukawa Electric, through its Lightera brand, has launched a high fiber count cable with 13,824 fibers, targeting hyperscale data center applications. As demand grows, this new design supports expanding cloud computing and AI workloads.
Higher Capacity for Space-Constrained Networks
The Lightera high fiber count cable delivers nearly double the capacity of previous designs. At the same time, it maintains an outer diameter of less than 40 mm. This compact size allows installation in 1.25-inch conduits, which helps operators maximize space in existing data center pathways.
As a result, the cable provides a practical solution for increasing fiber density without requiring infrastructure changes.
Innovation and Competitive Landscape
This launch places Furukawa Electric in direct competition with other manufacturers, including Fujikura, which has introduced a similar 13,824-fiber cable. Consequently, the market for ultra-dense fiber infrastructure continues to evolve rapidly.
Furukawa Electric built this design on its earlier 6,912-fiber rollable ribbon cables, which achieved high capacity within a compact form. In addition, its R&D teams reduced non-glass materials such as plastics and gels. This approach increased fiber packing density while maintaining cable size.
Expanding Production for AI and Cloud Growth
To meet rising demand, Furukawa Electric has expanded manufacturing at its Mie Works facility in Kameyama, Japan. The company opened a second plant dedicated to ultra-high-count optical cables, which more than doubles production capacity compared to fiscal year 2023.
Therefore, the company is better positioned to support growth driven by AI infrastructure and cloud data centers.
Overall, the Lightera high fiber count cable reflects a broader shift toward high-capacity, space-efficient fiber solutions. As data centers scale, these designs will play a key role in enabling next-generation connectivity.
